India has left US behind to become the world's second biggest 5G handset market. This is the first time India has climbed up to this position. Only China is ahead of India now by being the world's biggest 5G handset market. A recent report by Counterpoint Research revealed that global 5G handset shipments grew 20 per cent (year-on-year) in the first six months of 2024. Apple led the 5G handset shipments globally, accounting for well beyond 25 per cent. This massive shipment was driven by the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 series mainly, IANS reported.
Emerging markets have witnessed high growth in 5G handset segment as the shipments have been growing steadily. A senior analyst named Prachir Singh said, "India became the second-biggest 5G handset market during the first half, overtaking the US. The strong shipments from Xiaomi, Vivo, Samsung, and other brands in the budget segment were the main reason for this trend."
Samsung secured the second spot with over 21 per cent of the market share, thanks to the popularity of its Galaxy A series and S24 series. In the top-10 list for 5G models during the first half of 2024, both Apple and Samsung each occupied five positions, with Apple dominating the top four spots.
Emerging Markets Witness High Growth In 5G Handsets
Emerging markets have also seen significant growth in 5G handset adoption. Consumers in these regions are increasingly viewing 5G handsets as a valuable upgrade, even within the more affordable price ranges.
The Asia-Pacific region alone contributed 63 per cent of the global net additions and held a 58 percent share of 5G shipments. Both Europe and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions experienced double-digit growth in 5G handset shipments as well.
Research Director Tarun Pathak noted that as 5G handsets become more accessible and 5G networks continue to expand, this trend is expected to accelerate further.